Shloka 2.111.27
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकादशोत्तरशततमः सर्गः (Sarga 111: Counsel on Gurus, Parental Debt, and Bharata’s Protest)
धर्मात्मा तस्य तथ्येन भ्रातुर्वाक्येन विस्मितः।उवाच राम स्सम्प्रेक्ष्य पौरजानपदं जनम्।।।।
dharmātmā tasya tathyena bhrātur vākyena vismitaḥ |uvāca rāmaḥ samprekṣya paurajānapadaṃ janam ||
Rama, steadfast in dharma, was astonished by the truthfulness of his brother’s words; looking upon the citizens and countryfolk, he addressed them.
On hearing the genuine sentiments of his brother, righteous Rama was astonished. He said to the inhabitants from towns and villages:
Truthful speech (tathya) creates moral authority; dharma is strengthened when leaders and heirs speak transparently before the people.
After Bharata’s declaration, Rama reacts with surprise and turns to address the wider public constituency.
Rama’s dharmic discernment—he recognizes sincerity and responds in a way mindful of public order.